Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill

2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85288
Bar / Pub
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Apr 2, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill has nine inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Apr 2, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.

By comparison, the average Tempe facility scores 95, putting Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill on the weaker side. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 2, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer concentration at in-use large mechanical dishwasher in dish pit was measured at 0ppm at start of inspection. Chlorine sanitizer solutions for food contact surfaces must be maintained at 50-100ppm. Employee re-ran machine and adjusted sanitizer line to attain a proper concentration during the inspection
4-501.114(A-E)
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an ice scoop in the bar area with the scoop handle touching the ice. In-use utensils must be stored with the handle pointed away from the food itself. Employee moved scoop to correct
3-304.12
82
Nov 21, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 19, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Improper handwashing procedure (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee rinse soiled dishes, rinse hands at three-compartment sink, and begin to put away clean dishes without washing hands prior. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks. Also discussed the importance of proper hand washing procedures with the person-in-charge (PIC). Proper handwashing procedure is to rinse hands with warm water, scrub with soap for 10-15 seconds, rinse with warm water, dry with approved drying provision, and turn off in a manner to prevent re-contamination of hands. Entire process should take approximately 20 seconds for full and proper handwashing to prevent spread of pathogens and contamination. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection
2-301.12
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed handsink in warewashing area slow draining at time of inspection. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Must repair handsink to be smooth draining prior to re-inspection
5-205.15(A)
74
Aug 28, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 20, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, observed the reach-in prep table across from the fryer with an ambient temperature of 47*F. Manager moved all TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods that had been in the fridge for two hours to a different unit with proper cold holding temperatures. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Manager placed a repair order at time of inspection for the equipment and will not use until repaired
4-301.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, observed an accumulation of drain flies located at the main bar. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection
6-501.111(C)
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an accumulation of organic matter inside the soda gun holster located at the server station main bar. Please ensure all equipment surfaces are clean to the sight and touch
4-602.11(E)
78
Apr 4, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed tuna portions in vacuum sealed reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) in walk-in refrigerator. Manufacturer's instructions on the packaging stated to keep product frozen. Staff had poked holes in the packaging but not removed the fish entirely from it. All ROP fish labeled "Keep Frozen" must be removed completely from packaging prior to thawing under refrigeration or immediately after thawing under cold running water. Person in charge (PIC) directed staff to remove all ROP fish in walk-in refrigerator from vacuum seal packaging during inspection
3-501.13
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Several in-use cutting boards at make line were discolored and scored with deep groves, making them difficult to clean. Please ensure cutting surfaces are maintained in good repair to be smooth and easily cleanable. Please resurface or replace
4-501.12
90
Dec 12, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 3, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 22, 2024
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

How does Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.

Has Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill is inspected around six times per year on average.